Maharashtra buys Raghuji Bhonsle's sword for ₹47 Lakh; The history that makes it priceless

Time of India

02-05-2025

In a remarkable turn of events, a priceless piece of India's royal history has finally returned home. The sword of Raghuji Bhonsle, a famous Maratha general who helped expand the Maratha empire in the 18th century, was recently bought at an auction in London by the
Maharashtra government
for Rs 47.15 lakh. After being lost for decades, this important royal relic is now back where it belongs.
A royal heritage restored
Raghuji Bhonsle, the founder of the
Bhonsle dynasty
in Nagpur, is remembered for his strong military leadership and significant role in Maratha campaigns during the 18th century. The sword isn't just a weapon– it stands as a symbol of his strength, influence, and sharp strategy that helped shape the Maratha Empire. With such a rich history, the sword connects today's generation to a time of major battles, royal politics, and India's fight for independence.
A thrilling auction and an unforeseen bid
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As per media reports, the historic sword, a rare artifact from the 18th century, was put up for auction by Sotheby's in London with a starting price of 6,000 to 8,000 pounds. But it quickly went beyond expectations and was finally sold for 38,100 pounds– almost five times more than expected. Recognizing its cultural value, the Maharashtra government stepped in and made the winning bid through an intermediary. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the move, calling it a major cultural win for the state, even though the purchase had to go through a middleman due to technical reasons.
A beautiful fusion of cultures
According to a Times Now report, Sotheby's described the sword as a slightly curved, European-style blade with a single edge and a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription along the back. It has a traditional 'basket-style' hilt, wrapped in green woven wool, blending European craftsmanship with Indian design. Known as firanghi swords, these types were highly valued by royalty at the time. They were often made using blades brought in from Europe, especially from places like Solingen in Germany and Venice in Italy, and were seen as strong symbols of power and status.
Bhonsle descendants' gratitude
For the Bhonsle royal family, the return of the sword holds deep personal significance.
Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle
, a descendant of the Nagpur Bhonsle family, expressed his gratitude towards the Maharashtra government for making this historic acquisition possible. Speaking to the media, he shared:
"I want to thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, and their entire team on behalf of the Nagpur Bhonsle royal family. It is a proud moment that our heritage is coming back,' he said, as quoted by PTI.
Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle also mentioned that his representatives took part in the auction, offering up to Rs 35 lakh, and had reached out to state and central officials for help in bringing the sword back to India.
Thumb image credits: X/@Dev_Fdnavis